Learning from the Legends: Solomon 2

Learning from the Legends: Solomon 2
Brad Reiches
Nov 19 2006 11:28PM

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Monday, November 20, 2006
GodThoughtsWired!

"Learning from the Legends:  Solomon"
PART 2

"In much wisdom there is much grief;
and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain."

Ecclesiastes 1:18

The gift of wisdom is a two-edged sword.  The benefits of wisdom, I believe, are self evident.  It enables us to see clearly and live sensibly...It may be, however, that true wisdom is both a blessing and a curse.  Wisdom does not insure happiness, nor is it a guarantor of peace or contentment.  In fact, in light of the life of Solomon, wisdom may well be a stumbling block to such virtues.

"The beginning of wisdom is, acquire wisom;
and with all your acquiring, gain understanding."
Proverbs 4:5

Understanding is the ability to see things from God's perspective.  As the life of Solomon suggests, and the above scripture confirms, it is very possible to have wisdom without understanding.  That being the case, significant pain, and "much grief" can often result.  Early in Solomon's tenure as King, God granted Solomon a request.  Solomon asked, "Give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9).

It appears Solomon had NO IDEA of the consequences of his request.

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